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Caeleb Dressel said it felt good to win a national title in 50 freestyle last night in the third fastest time the world has seen this year: 21.53. Despite being happy with the swim, which he described as a battle against a competitive field, he is looking forward to more rest at Worlds and wants improve the back half of his race.
Dressel also discussed his failed Olympic Trials bid in the 50 freestyle last summer, which he says still gives him “nightmares.” After analyzing the race with his coach, Gregg Troy, Dressel is convinced that he was not well rested enough to swim at his peak speed.
Troy will accompany Dressel to Budapest later this summer, a choice that Dressel said he is thrilled about. Dressel also said he looks forward to talking to Troy about his potentially-extensive event schedule at Worlds, an opportunity he attributes to the schedule of Nationals. Ultimately, he says, his goal is to “represent Team USA the best we can.”
Dressel noted that he feels prepared for the quick meet turn-around, and he credits college swimming for his ability to sustain a double taper and to stay mentally tough. He said he tries to focus on “one race a time.”
Although Dressel said he realizes that he may be one of the new representatives of the sport of swimming, he emphasized that he swims certain events, and that USA Swimming is a team effort. Ultimately, Dressel stressed that his success has stemmed from the support and encouragement of his parents, teammates, and coaches, and not from himself.
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